Germany Gift Giving Customs

From Giftypedia

Flag of Germany

1. Officially the Republic of Germany.
2. Official Language: German
3. Currency: euro (EUR)
4. National Holiday: Unity Day - 3 October (1990)

[edit] Social Etiquette

• Be on time. You are allowed an "academic quarter" which means you can arrive up to a quarter of an hour late to be still within the limits.
  
• A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
• Women should be allowed to offer their hand first. If she does not, do not presume to offer yours.
• When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.
• When invited to a German home, always take flowers for the woman and a bottle of wine for the man. Be sure to ask the shopkeeper to wrap the flowers "as a gift."
• Shopping on Sunday is rare, and stores close early on Saturday, so plan accordingly for possible gift giving occasions.
• Credit Cards are rarely accepted at most restaraunts. Look for the familiar logos or ask your waiter.
• German banks aren’t set up to deal with a U.S. personal check. A German check or bank draft is a transfer of funds (eine Geldüberweisung) from one bank account number to another.
• Tipping - A service fee, known as Bedienung, is added directly to your bill. This is usually around 15 percent. If the service is better than average, the tip should always be given directly to the waitress or waiter. Generally, when you pay the bill you round up to an appropriate amount and tell them to keep the change.

[edit] Business Gift Giving Guidelines

In Germany, a small gift is polite, especially when contacts are made for the first time. Substantial gifts are not usual, and certainly not before a deal has been reached if you don't want your intentions to be misinterpreted. Even small souvenir-style gifts to thank local staff for their assistance and hospitality during your stay at a company will not be expected but will always be appreciated. Avoid giving substantial gifts in private. The larger the gift, the more official and public the giving should be. ^[1]

[edit] Personal Gift Giving

• If you are invited to a German's house, the German gift giving custom is to bring a host/hostess gift such as chocolates or flowers.
• Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received.
• Providing a bottle of German wine is largely considered cheap. Imported wine from Italy and France is a more appropriate gesture.
• The gift custom in Germany is to open a gift when it is received.

[edit] Gifts to Avoid

• Red roses, as they symbolize romantic intentions.
• Carnations, as they symbolize mourning.
• Lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.

[edit] Related Items

• International Gift Customs
• How to Avoid Controversial or Inappropriate Gifts
• Etiquette for Office / Business Gift Giving

[edit] References

1. ↑ |Executive Planet - Germany: Gift Giving